Nassau, Bahamas (June 24, 2015): This year continues to be a landmark year for the Islands of The Bahamas, with this latest recognition for leading the way in delivering a quality product and service by the ESQR (The European Society for Quality Research), which awarded The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism with Gold at its Quality Achievement Awards last week in London. This latest award was of particular note as The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism was one of only five organisations to receive an award in the Gold category. The top award for Quality Management came in recognition of the relentless hard work and the achievements that The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism has made in customer service, hard work and commitment to quality.

Each year the ESQR recognises organisations, public administrations and companies from Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa and Australia, which have demonstrated outstanding commitment, support and effort to endorse and improve quality management. The organisation looks at industries across all seven continents that impact their regions in such a positive manner that they improve the quality of life for residents, to ultimately make each region a better place to live. Therefore, this latest award is truly special for the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, proving that its relentless work has made a difference in improving the Islands—for both visitors and residents.

Tourism Director General, Joy Jibrilu, was on hand to accept the latest award. “What winning these awards says to us, not just as the Ministry of Tourism, not just as an organisation, but also the people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas on the whole, is that we are doing something right and we are on the right track. The world is watching, they are recognising us, and they’re letting us know that we are getting it right,” Jibrilu said.

While being the most recent award, the ESQR Gold Award joins the many nominations and awards The Bahamas has received thus far in 2015. The Bahamas has already won the Trip Advisor 2015 ‘Best Beaches’ award. Junkanoo was also voted ‘#1 Festival in the Caribbean’ in USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards in 2014. The Bahamas was voted in the top 10 places in the Caribbean to visit by U.S. News and World Report in 2015. Additionally, The Bahamas has been nominated in nine different categories for the 22ndWorld Travel Awards, for which voting will close in August of this year. Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, the World Travel Awards brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality.

Not only is 2015 shaping up to be a landmark year in industry recognition,

but at a projected tourism growth rate of 6.7% according to the WTTC, The Bahamas expects to host more visitors than ever in 2015. To meet this increased demand, there is expected to be an increase in room availability, as well as more attractive events for visitors to look forward to, such as the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival that attracted thousands when it debuted in May, and a variety of sporting events from the Bahamas Marathon to the Popeye’s Bahamas Bowl. There are endless activities for travellers to choose from when visiting the Islands of The Bahamas.

About the Islands of The Bahamas
The Islands of The Bahamas have a place in the sun for everyone, from Nassau and Paradise Island to Grand Bahama to the Abaco Islands, the Exuma Islands, Harbour Island, Long Island and others. Each island has its own personality and attractions, for a variety of vacation styles, with some of the world’s best golf, scuba diving, fishing, sailing, boating, as well as shopping and dining. The destination offers an easily accessible tropical getaway, and the Bahamian dollar is at par with the U.S. dollar. Do everything or do nothing, just remember that It’s Better in The Bahamas. For more information on travel packages, activities and accommodations, call 1-800-Bahamas or visit www.Bahamas.com. Look for The Bahamas on the web on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

May 18, 2015

NEW YORK, NY, 15 May, 2015 –The Caribbean Tourism Organization is once again injecting a little romance into Caribbean Week New York. For the second year running, the region’s tourism development agency has retained Wedding Salon, the planners of United States bridal tradeshows for the luxury market, to organize a Romance Pavilion at the grandest Caribbean tourism event in New York.

The Romance Pavilion is an opportunity for engaged couples seeking a romantic honeymoon or destination wedding to connect with renowned Caribbean resorts, countries, and travel agents.

Wedding Salon, a partnership between American event planner, Tatiana Byron, and Martha Stewart Weddings, organizes high-end weddings and luxury bridal shows. Their shows attract thousands of brides-to-be, celebrities, and socialites seeking to discover the latest trends and meet with the top vendors.

“Destination weddings are on the rise with one in four couples getting married in a locations far from their residence. The Caribbean Romance Pavilion provides couples with the opportunity to speak to vendors and decision makers that would otherwise be a flight away. It’s comforting getting to do some of the planning face to face,” said Ms. Byron.

Over 300 couples have already registered to attend the event, where they will meet the top local vendors from the Caribbean who will help plan these couple’s destination wedding or honeymoon.

It will be held on Wednesday 3 June from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Ez Studios on 325 West 37th Street, New York. The programme will include a refreshment station, Beautini makeup trials, a flower adorned canopy by QG Floral , Glamour Closet designer gown previews, Artemix Tattoos, M2M DJs, door prizes and luxury swag bags with surprise products such as Essie and OPI.

Caribbean Week New York is a series of business meetings and consumer events organized by the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s New York office to showcase the warmth, spirit and vibrancy of the Caribbean. In addition to direct contact with consumers, it also provides extensive media exposure for participating CTO members and partners.

April 16, 2015

Guyana, South America Undiscovered – The grand opening of the highly anticipated, internationally branded Marriott Hotel was today undertaken by President Donald Ramotar, in Georgetown Guyana.

The Head of State also unveiled the hotel’s plaque and he was joined by several officials of the hotel, government ministers and members of the local private sector.

While addressing the gathering, President Ramotar noted that the ceremony was indeed an ‘historic’ occasion, as the Marriott Brand is world renowned for its high class and service.

The Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Irfaan Ali noted that this investment this will be a catalyst for tourism development in Guyana and it will help to raise the profile of the destination.

He was presented with a symbolic key, along with other guests while a message from Bill Marriott, first host and General Manager was read, “world- class service comes from more than a building. It comes from people-our brilliant hosts,” he read.

This evening, a grand reception will be held to mark the hotel’s opening for business to local and overseas guests.

The luxury hotel brags of 197 guest rooms and suites that offer views of the ocean at every turn. Its Ballroom has the capacity to accommodate between 400 to 700 persons at any time depending on the set up. It can also be transformed into four sections to host smaller events.

The hotel also has five boardrooms and an open style kitchen to allow patrons to dine in the restaurant and watch their meals being prepared by expert chefs.

Its indoor gym will cater mainly for its guest but membership will eventually be offered to the public. In addition, daily passes will also become available once the hotel is open to the public.

The nine storey Hotel is Located at the mouth of the Demerara River in Kingston, Georgetown.

Guyana will also see additional major investments in tourism in the near future, these include the CJIA Airport Expansion, the Hospitality Institute, the Specialty Hospital, the Guyana/Suriname Bridge , the upgrading of the access road from Brazil to Georgetown and the addition of the Ramada Hotel Brand among many others.

Marriott Hotel Georgetown Opens

April 16, 2015

Spring has sprung on the Caribbean island of Dominica, and with it a schedule brimming with fun and festivals. Events such as DOMFESTA, Hike Fest and Jazz ’n Creole invite visitors the world over to participate in the excitement. In addition, the Dominica Film Challenge and Nature Island Challenge are athletic and cultural challenges that test the mettle of participants while inviting others to join in the fun via social media and online access.

Adventure Excitement: Nature Island Challenge 3.0

Teams of endurance athletes have descended on Dominica for this week’s Nature Island Challenge 3.0 (April 13 – 17), an endurance competition for accomplished, social media- connected trail/adventure racers seeking once-in-a-lifetime experiences. This year’s teams include the returning champs from Trinidad & Tobago; Barbados; two teams from the U.S., including one representing Dominica’s own Ross University; and two teams from Germany. During the Challenge, team members alternate on daily 10-15 mile-long trail runs, followed by team challenges. The event is scored on a points system based on daily winners and special challenges.

Teams will capture the thrill of the competition in photos and video which will be posted across social media networks. Follow the excitement on Twitter and Instagram at @NIChallenge, on Facebook at NatureIslandChallenge, or on the official blog www.natureislandchallenge.com. Use the hashtag #NatureIslandChallenge to join the conversation!

Celebrate a Rich Arts Heritage

During May, DOMFESTA showcases the island’s varied arts and culture as playwrights, poets, artists, singers and musicians offer their interpretations of Dominica’s rich artistic heritage. Artists across the island present village feasts, theatrical plays, art expositions, poetry and drumming festivals, as well as creole competitions and concerts.

Get in Step with Hike Fest

Dominica’s world-renowned hiking trails are the star of the annual Hike Fest held during Saturdays in May. Visitors join other hiking enthusiasts on May 9, 16, 23 and 30 to discover Dominica’s interior by exploring the island’s many hiking trails.

Hike Fest offers treks through Dominica’s pristine, untouched natural trails that follow routes ranging from easy to moderate to difficult, offering one of the best ways to discover Dominica. Hikers enjoy spectacular scenery, hidden beaches, cozy bays and fascinating rock formations that jut out into the sea.

Jazz ’n Creole Offers Dominica’s Unique Musical Vibe

In late May, visitors can add Jazz ’n Creole to their Nature Island experience. The event includes a fusion of jazz and creole music, scrumptious food and a celebration of local culture. Main stage performers for 2015 include Ronald Tulle, described as one of the greatest pianists from Martinique. Ralph Thamar is making his first appearance on the Jazz ‘n Creole stage. Also from Martinique, Thamar is best known as the lead singer for the group Malavoi. In addition, Michele Henderson, Dominica’s Princess of Song, will return to the Jazz ‘n Creole main stage. Also returning to the main stage is Barbadian saxophonist, Arturo Tappin. Described as a cross between Teddy Pendergrass and Kenny G, Tappin is referred to as the smoothest, ‘saxiest’ horn man the Caribbean has to offer.

The annual event takes place from May 17 – 24 with the main stage performances on Sunday, May 24 at Fort Shirley in the Cabrits National Park.

Vote for Your Favorite Film Challenge Creation

Videographers from around the world spent a week on the island in March for the second annual Dominica Film Challenge. Each team captured the story of Dominica in their own creative way, either in a short film, photography project or a social media endeavor. Final projects will be posted online for a public vote to determine the winner in mid-May. Watch for them at dominicachallenge.com.

Caribbean island of Dominica

April 11, 2015

Sylma Brown, director of CTO USA Inc

(NEW YORK, New York) 7 April 2015 – An estimated 100 elite travel agents in the New York City area will be immersed in an authentic Caribbean experience during an educational seminar and trade show at Caribbean Week New York in June.

Authentic Caribbean: Exploring Food, Culture and Nature will be the focus of the seminar, organized by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) to help agents better understand how these niches enhance their clients’ Caribbean vacation experience.

The travel agents will learn about the many influences that make Caribbean cuisine desirable to foodies; why visitors are attracted to the region’s unique culture and the significance of the natural environment to the history of the people of the Caribbean and to the agents’ clients. They will also develop skills that will help them identify new clients who travel for purpose-driven experiences, where to find them and how to become an expert in selling the Caribbean to these cultural connoisseurs.

“Despite the constant changes in the travel distribution system, the Caribbean Tourism Organization recognizes that travel agents have always played an important role in the sale of Caribbean vacations. Top consumer publications like the NY Times, USA Today and Times Magazine agree that travel agents are making a comeback and as such our region needs to continue to support their business, so that the Caribbean remains top of mind when they discuss vacation options with their clients,” said Sylma Brown, the director of CTO USA Inc., the CTO’s New York office responsible for organizing Caribbean Week.

The 2013 American Culinary Traveler Report states that the number of American consumers who travel to learn about unique dining experiences jumped from 40 per cent of the travelling population in 2006 to 51 per cent by 2006 and 2013 and in the US alone the estimated expenditures on food services topped $201 billion dollars, nearly a quarter of all travel income.

In addition, a Global Heritage Fund-sponsored analysis of 500 global heritage sites by Stanford University economics graduates estimates that global heritage sites in the developing world are expected to generate over US$100 billion a year by 2025, up from $24.6 billion today.

“As consumers’ desires for new and authentic experiences continue to evolve, the travel industry must be prepared to provide opportunities for visitors to make genuine connections with local people, try their local foods, learn about their cultural heritage and, at the same time, disconnect from the stress of their everyday lives,” said Ms. Brown.

The seminar will be facilitated by Arnie Weissmann, the editor-in-chief of the influential business-to-business news resources for the travel industry, Travel Weekly.

“A new traveller is emerging who rejects the symbols and trappings of old-guard status symbols. One way this has impacted travel is that the young and affluent don’t want to wall themselves up in the iconic, classic hotels that their parents aspired to inhabit, and they aren’t satisfied with only tokens of local colour,” contends Mr. Weissmann.

The interactive seminar and trade show, which will be held from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. on Monday 1 June at the Wyndham New Yorker Grand Ballroom, is free to travel agents. It is also included in a specially priced Travel Agent Attendee Package announced by the CTO for the 42nd Annual Caribbean Week New York, June 1-5, 2015. In addition to travel agent functions, the package includes admission to several major industry events during this networking and fact-filled week.

dominica adventures

March 1, 2015

Antigua Barbudatourism – While Antigua is the more popular of the two, now is the time to cruise over to Antigua’s exclusive sister island Barbuda.

“Barbuda has emerged as a green cruising destination welcoming, smaller luxury cruise lines with discerning cruisers, and this will have a significant impact on the economy of the sister island” says CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Colin C. James.

For the 2014-2015 winter season the island will receive calls from Europa, Ponant, Sea Dream, Club Med, Black Watch, Windsurf and Wind Spirit.

A nature lover’s paradise, the island is filled with experiences that are sure to appeal to eco-aware cruisers. See Barbuda’s unique pink sand beaches, and spectacular 17 mile stretch of pristine, unbroken beach.

The largest Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the western hemisphere, accessible only by boat, the sanctuary contains over 170 species of birds in addition to the more than 5,000 Frigate birds that call Barbuda their home.

Visitors are invited to take a wander through the charming Codrington village, founded in the 16th Century by Christopher Codrington. Explore historic sites, including Highland House, built in the 1720s, by the Codrington Family and Martello Towers, a fort built by the British and once used to guard Barbuda’s south-west coastline.

A must while in Barbuda are the Caves at Two Foot Bay. Visitors on a hike through Barbuda’s Indian Cave, will discover ancient Amerindian petroglyphs.

Anyone who visits this fishing island is invited to sample the local seafood and Barbuda’s famous, spiny lobster.

Those cruising over to Antigua will also have plenty of opportunities to engage in environmentally sustainable excursions.

With a 300 year history, St. John’s, the capital city of Antigua, is full of interesting sites and landmarks, making a walking tour the perfect way for cruisers docking in Heritage Quay or historic Redcliffe Quay, to soak up the history and culture of the town.

Nearby landmarks include the oldest building in St. John’s, the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, built in 1747 for use as a Court House and the17th century St. John’s Anglican Cathedral.

Travel towards the farmers and craft markets, for locally grown produce and local handicrafts. There, you will find the bust of Antigua and Barbuda’s first Prime Minister and nearby the childhood home of National Hero, and cricketing legend, Sir Vivian Richards. View the Official Residence of the Governor General, the Cenotaph War Memorial, and relax at the Victoria Park Botanical Gardens.

Antigua boasts a host of activities, including Antigua and Barbuda vacations, Antigua and Barbuda packages, its attractions, and port facilities which are undergoing major upgrades, allowing Antigua and Barbuda to regain its marquee status as a premier Caribbean cruise destination.

Antigua Barbuda

Lively Antigua and Barbuda move to the music of steel drums. You can visit a different beach each day and not repeat yourself for a full year—and that’s why …

About Antigua & BarbudaAntigua (pronounced An-tee’ga) and Barbuda (Bar-byew’ da) is located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. The largest of the Leeward Islands, Antigua & Barbuda comprises 108-square miles. The 365 white and pink sand beaches, one for every day of the year, are just the beginning of the treasures that await visitors. Antigua’s rich history and spectacular topography provide a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities. Nelson’s Dockyard, the only remaining example of a Georgian fort commissioned by the British in 1755, is perhaps the most renowned landmark. Betty’s Hope, built in 1674, is the site of one of the first full-scale sugar plantations on Antigua, and offers a chance to step back into time by visiting the restored mills. Another unique attraction is Devil’s Bridge, located at the eastern tip of the island in Indian Town National Park, where Atlantic breakers have carved out a natural limestone arch. Antigua boasts a varied tourism calendar including events such as the World Class Antigua Sailing Week, Classic Yacht Regatta, Antigua Sports Fishing and also the annual Carnival; known as the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival. Island accommodation ranges from luxury resorts and all-inclusive hotels to smaller more intimate boutique guesthouses and cottages. For information about Antigua & Barbuda visit www.visitantiguabarbuda.com

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